Flower named England assistant coach

Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower was named as England cricket coach Peter Moores' assistant yesterday.

Flower Matthew Maynard with immediate effect, the England and Wales Cricket Board said.

"Andy will bring to the support staff a wealth of international experience as well as a clear understanding of the domestic game in England and Wales," Moores said. "He has worked at the national academy for the past two seasons as a specialist batting coach and has done an excellent job. I am sure all the players will respond to his style and enjoy working with him."

The 39-year-old Flower quit international cricket after the 2003 World Cup. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been with English county Essex since 2002, but was released to assist Moores with the national team.

Flower had stint playing in the Australian domestic league with South Australia in 2003-04.